Kuala Kedah Kuala Kedah is located 15 km from Alor Setar. Kuala Kedah is a busy fishing village and there is a large jetty for ferries to Pulau Langkawi. The ferry jetty at Kuala Kedah is the centre of activity. Visitors from as far away as Alor Setar and Jitra come to get their supply of fresh fish, mollusc and crustaceans here. As with most coastal towns, good seafood is available at Kuala Kedah. And well-known for its juicy
Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) as well as a local delicacy made of thick rice vermicelli with spicy fish gravy called Laksa Kuala Kedah. Do stop by the
Medan Selera (Food Court) Ikan Bakar Persatuan Nelayan Kawasan (PNK) Kuala Kedah, 400 meters from the jetty for mouth-watering delicacies. Also famous here is the Laksa Kedah.
LangkawiFor a taste of simple Malay-style breakfast, just walk up to a small stall opposite the Underwater World in the mornings and feast on the famous freshly-prepared banana leaf-wrapped
nasi lemak (steamed rice in coconut milk). The price is most affordable at less than RM 2 for a pack. Go local and enjoy this with a glass of hot
teh tarik or really good local coffee. This very unassuming stall is just simple and great (clean too!) The nasi lemak comes with curried beef, squid in chilli, friend salted fish or chicken.
Other places where can enjoy good food with affordable price are:-
Restoran Fatimah near the Kampung Tok Senik Resort on the road to Ulu Melaka is a must. Try this for really authentic Malay food. Their lunch spread is amazing - so amazing that they attract bus loads of Malaysian visitors. If you are bent on trying things local this is the place. Just enjoy the food and leave your cultural baggage and complaints behind as you will be in a totally different ambiance but friendly, nevertheless.
Rafi's Place is a rustic shack sandwiched between Restoran Aliah's and Tomato Nasi Kandar on Pantai Cenang. No visible signboard either but ask around and you will find Rafi's. Locals come here for the
nasi lemak (RM3) and the local tea and coffee (RM1) which are good by the way. Rafi is a Penangite but has been on the island since 1988 so he considers himself very much local.
AddaMaya Café on Pantai Cenang (near Haji Ramli's; or opposite Nadia's Comfort Inn) is a small, cosy place for meals and coffee. The chef can whip up great meals - from local dishes to western fast food easily (and in that little cabin of his). Problem is, it can get a bit dusty as it is located fronting the main road. Locals like to come here for good food at reasonable prices.
Mimi, Pantai Cenang serves the best '
Ikan Bakar' or grilled fish with tantalising self-made sauce. Snapper or grouper that cost you RM4 per 100 gram is a must try. Also offers a variety of traditional Malay dishes like tom yam and
'ayam masak merah' (chicken cooked in non-spicy sauce). Only a few minute walk from Underwater World, at the opposite side of the road.
Breakfast Station, Pantai Cenang. It has great Balinese decor, rustic with cosy ambience. One can get fantastic Lavazza Coffee for RM4 and fantastic Nasi Lemak. The Western spread is a pleasant surprise. Best omelette in town. Lunch starts at 12 pm, which also means the end of the breakfast menu. A couple of minutes walk from Restoran Haji Ramli.
Beach Garden Resort's Beer Garden Pantai Cenang offers 1
st class Western & Malay dishes in a stylish holiday - beach atmosphere. Superb wine selection, draft beer and German wheat beer (own import) as well as cocktails.
Champor Champur, Pantai Cenang. This place serves moderately wacky fusion food in a fusion setting courtesy of a Dutch-Malaysian couple with an affinity for Africa.
Fat Mum Restaurant is situated at Pantai Tengah. Just up the road from Awana Resort. This place serves great authentic local Chinese seafood restaurant, and at a reasonable price.
Fook Look Chinese Restaurant is situated at the Oriental Village. Your dinner comes with a free Chinese theatre performance!
Hole in the Wall Fishfarm & Restaurant located at Kilim River. Usually it is not a big deal to go.
Restoran Haji Ramli, Pantai Cenang. Your Nasi Campur haunt by day and run-of-the-mill Tom Yam shack by night. 'Ikan Bakar' - Grilled fish and other fresh seafood a'la carte after 3 pm. Fresh terubuk (shad) which is unheard off in the mainland! Grab a couple of fist-sized prawns and cuttlefish (squid) cooked Tom Yam style for a gastronomically lesson in local seafood. The place opens till 1 am.
Matahari/Sun Village, Pantai Tengah. The place offers good Malay food in an atmospheric garden full of lush greenery, water features and exotic art.
Oasis (Pantai Tengah/Cenang) is a great beach hangout serving western meals and drinks. It comes alive in the evenings. Come shoeless as the feel of the soft powdery sand is so good.
Red Tomato Splash, Right on the Pantai Cenang beach behind Tomato Nasi Kandar. The place has great Western breakfast and lunch menus, and pasta and pizza for dinner. Beach patio setting is very relaxed - bring your own beer or wine.
Tulsi Garden, located at Pantai Tengah. Good Indian food (northern and southern). It's a quiet place to have dinner and chat with friends. Best part is you can ask the chef to tone down the chilli or spiciness levels.